We Seriously Need to Cut Slytherins Some Slack | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

We Seriously Need to Cut Slytherins Some Slack

They're really not all bad guys.

70
We Seriously Need to Cut Slytherins Some Slack
www.youtube.com

J.K. Rowling has created a whole new world through her Harry Potter saga. She has the incredible ability to relate her fictional world to our real world time and time again. She does that so flawlessly by highlighting real-world issues in her stories.

One of the biggest issues she touches on repeatedly in the books is prejudice. Although I could write a completely separate book on all the people (and magical creatures) that deal with prejudice and bias in the Harry Potter universe, today I'm going to talk specifically about Slytherin.

(Here is your SPOILER ALERT: Although, if you haven't already read all the Harry Potter books and seen the movies... what are you doing with your life?)

Slytherins have had a stigma against them ever since Voldemort and his Death Eaters banded together to bring terror and evil to the magical world. We're talking about murderers who only seek to gain power and rid the world of Muggle-borns. So yeah, I get why people automatically develop a hatred for Slytherins. However, I think it's unfair to generalize Slytherin as the "bad" Hogwarts house.

First of all, not all evil witches and wizards were in Slytherin. Let's not forget that Peter Pettigrew (Yes, the man that betrayed Harry's parents!) was a Gryffindor! He is easily one of the most dislikable characters in the Harry Potter series, and he was in the same house as Harry.

There are also quite a few Slytherins that were good characters. Narcissa Malfoy, although we learned that her family was working for Lord Voldemort, ultimately helps Harry by lying about his death to Voldemort in the end. This could have gotten her killed instantly, but she helped him because she knew it was the right thing to do. Also, Horace Slughorn was a Slytherin, and he was a good friend of Dumbledore and Harry's parents. Then there's Severus Snape.

He was arguably the most pivotal character in the series. We spent most of the series hating him, but we eventually learned that he was really watching out for Harry the whole time. If that's not a redeeming quality, then I don't know what is. And lastly, we can't forget Merlin! He was one of the greatest and most famous wizards of all time. He was so great that now when witches and wizards achieve something great, they are awarded The Order of Merlin.

The Sorting Hat places witches and wizards in Slytherin based on cunning, resourcefulness, and ambition; NOT on their level of evilness. These qualities make for great students and powerful leaders that will use any means to achieve greatness. However, sadly, this can often lead them down a dark path if they make friends with the "wrong sort".


So in conclusion, not all Slytherins are bad guys. Sure, some of them were Death Eaters, but some of them fought against Voldemort and his followers. We can't forget the Slytherins that helped win the Battle of Hogwarts and the Slytherins that were allies of Harry and his friends. I think JK Rowling would want us to learn from her stories that you can't judge a book by its cover, and that anyone, even those you least expect, can be a hero.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25374
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10606
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7829
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments